October 9, 2026

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FRESH PRESS

 

Rising Above Approaching Storms

Getting Storm Ready with Public Works

Storms don’t wait for convenient timing, and they certainly don’t RSVP. They appear when they choose—fast, loud, and usually when least convenient. Here’s the good news: becoming storm‑ready isn’t complicated, and when a whole community commits to preparedness, the difference is powerful.


District 3 spans diverse terrain and includes several unincorporated pockets where storm impacts can vary widely. County crews and first responders work hard, but when a major storm hits, response resources can stretch thin. When households prepare in advance, it reduces strain on responders, speeds recovery, and helps neighbors support one another. Prepared communities are resilient communities.


The team at Contra Costa County Public Works has prepared recommendations and resources for you to easily take action today!


Three Simple Ways to Stay Storm‑Ready

  1. Pack Your Emergency Kit Before You Need It
  2. A well-stocked kit is like insurance: you hope not to use it, but you’ll be grateful you have it. Include water, non‑perishable food, flashlights, medication, copies of important documents, and chargers. Don’t forget items for children, pets, or family members with medical needs.
  3. Know Your Plan—Then Share It
  4. Identify where you’ll go if you need to evacuate, how you’ll communicate if cell service falters, and who your emergency contacts are. Encourage friends and neighbors to do the same. A community with a plan is a community that stays connected.
  5. Stay Informed, Not Surprised
  6. Follow local agencies on social media, sign up for weather alerts, and keep a battery‑powered radio handy. Awareness is your first line of defense.


When one person takes readiness seriously, others follow. Talk about your emergency kit. Compare safety plans. Ask neighbors if they need help preparing. Resilience grows when communities share not just supplies, but knowledge and encouragement. Being storm-ready is more than just a checklist, it's a way of life. Plan today to beat out tomorrow's storm.


RESOURCES:

Presentation - Contra Costa County Public Works Storm Preparedness, Board of Supervisors Meeting (October 6, 2026)

Fact Sheet - Contra Costa County Public Works (October 2026)

Website - Storm Preparedness, Contra Costa County Public Works

 
 

From Martinez to Sacramento

and Washingon D.C

Championing Local, Rapidly Changing Needs

Building on momentum, Contra Costa County has advanced this collaborative framework through the 2nd Annual Legislation Committee Delegation Reception held on October 7, 2026 in Martinez.


Led by the Board of Supervisors' Legislation Committee, and Supervisors Diane Burgis and Shanelle Scales-Preston, this annual gathering deepened the strategic relationship between local governance and our state and federal delegations.



The event brought leaders together around critical local and regional issues:

  • Preserving local safety nets and navigating changes in federal funding frameworks to ensure vital services remain intact.
  • Disaster response capabilities, ensuring counties retain the agility and funding required to protect communities during emergencies.
  • Juvenile justice reform, focusing on local initiatives that improve outcomes for justice-involved youth.
  • Emerging policy challenges, including local government technology, intellectual property, and AI governance.


Through interactive workgroups and structured policy roundtables, the delegation reception transforms high-level legislative discussions into targeted strategies designed specifically for Contra Costa County residents.

Legislative advocacy is an ongoing process.


Events like the annual Delegation Reception serve as essential touchpoints where relationships are forged, policies are stress-tested, and local priorities are elevated to state and federal agendas.



RESOURCES:

1st Annual Delegation Reception (Aug 2025): https://myemail.constantcontact.com/District-3-Newsletter--Aug-15--2025.html?soid=1114010038009&aid=Yojaj5Mqspw

 
 

Pull Up a Chair

for Shared History & Heritage

"Delta as a Culinary Journey" Hosted by the Contra Costa County Historical Society

It’s easy to drive past the orchards and waterways in District 3 without stopping to think about the generations of hands, traditions, and migrations that made them what they are. The Delta Heritage Forum isn't just about looking back, it's about gathering with neighbors, nurturing collaboration, and asking where our community goes from here.


Hosted by the Contra Costa County Historical Society, this year’s theme is “Delta as Culinary Journey.” This series of academic lectures is an invitation to understand the rich cultural tapestry of the Delta through the food on our plates.


RSVP and advanced ticket purchase REQUIRED ($55 each)

Thursday, November 5

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street, Brentwood

Includes: Coffee & pastries, full lunch, & vintage cake tasting


Make your reservation today and bring an appetite for history and make your advanced reservation today.

 
 

Refresh, Review, Renew

Make Sure Your Health Coverage Covers You

Open Enrollment is coming soon and it's your time to buy, renew or change your health care plan for the upcoming year. Even if you're satisfied with your current healthcare coverage, now’s a great time to double‑check that your plan still aligns with you or your family needs for the year ahead. Benefits can change, life can change and a quick review now can save surprises later.



Have questions or just want to make sure you're making the most informed choice? Coverage providers and Human Resources teams are ready to help. Reach out to these teams now and consider your options today because even the smartest decisions get smarter with good guidance.


RESOURCES:

Open Enrollment Information from Covered California website

Contra Costa County employee open enrollment benefit information

 
 

From Silence to Solutions

Advancing Menopause Care Together

Menopause affects half of the population, yet for generations it has been pushed to the margins of women’s health. Treatments have been overlooked, symptoms dismissed, and too many people have had to navigate this transition without the information, support, or care they deserve.



Join an evening focused on the ongoing fight for menopause policy in California in a conversation dedicated to elevating women’s health, closing long‑standing gaps in care, and building momentum for meaningful change.


Wednesday, October 14, 2026

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Del Valle Theater, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek


This conversation will include perspectives from event speakers and provide space for questions, shared experiences, and collective action.Together, we can rewrite the story of menopause into one where women’s health is seen, supported, and prioritized.

 
 

Action Alert: Calling All Non-Profits

Renewal Status Process Retired

California non-profits are facing a major update in how they maintain their legal compliance. The state has retired its legacy charity renewal system, meaning paper forms, physical checks, and the previous online renewal portal are no longer accepted. Moving forward, all organizations must submit and pay their Form RRF-1 annual renewals using the California Registry of Charities and Fundraisers' new Online Filing Service. 


Failing to transition to the new system poses significant operational risks including, being legally prohibited from soliciting donations or operating within the state.


Delinquency can cause a loss of eligibility for state grants and potentially lead to the revocation of tax-exempt status.

To avoid disruption, non-profit administrators should take immediate action to verify status. Non-profit leaders are encouraged to share this compliance update with funders, grantees, and community partners to ensure all organizations remain in good standing.


RESOURCES: 

Office of Attorney General - Charity Information: https://oag.ca.gov/charities

Office of Attorney General - Renewal Information: https://oag.ca.gov/charities/renewals

 

EVENTS

 

Turn Household Scraps Into Garden Gold

Making Compost Work for You

Composting is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to reduce waste, enrich your soil, and support a healthier environment and this fall, the Contra Costa County Department of Conservation & Development is excited to help you get started! We’re offering free virtual workshops designed for anyone interested in learning how to compost at home. Whether you're brand new to composting or ready to dive into the fascinating world of worm bins, these workshops are a fun and accessible way to build sustainable habits.


All Contra Costa County residents are welcome, along with anyone else curious about composting. Bring your questions, invite a friend, and discover how simple it can be to turn everyday food scraps into nutrient‑rich compost. Click a workshop date below to register via Eventbrite.


October 24 – Home Composting

Learn the basics of composting at home—what to compost, how to manage a pile, and tips for keeping your system thriving.

December 5 – Vermicomposting (Worm Composting)

Discover how to start and maintain a worm bin that transforms food scraps into powerful, garden‑ready worm castings.


All workshops will be hosted live on Zoom. If you have questions about recycling, reusing, or disposing of items, the Department of Conservation and Development Recycling Hotline is here to help and can be reached via phone 1‑800‑750‑4096, email recycling@dcd.cccounty.us or online at https://www.cccrecycle.org/.

 
 

Pitch Your Pills Safely

Clean and Safe Protection

Your medicine cabinet might be hiding a public safety hazard. Millions of Americans keep expired, unused, or leftover prescription pills tucked away in drawers—becoming the leading source of accidental poisonings, prescription drug abuse, and environmental contamination when flushed or thrown in the trash.


October 24, 2026

10:00 am

Locate a site HERE


Why Local Action Matters:

  • Cutting Off the Supply: Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends—often right out of the home medicine cabinet.
  • Keeping Waterways Clean: Tossing old medications in the trash or flushing them down the toilet introduces pharmaceuticals into local water systems and municipal treatment plants.
  • Anonymous & Safe: Take Back events provide a zero-questions-asked, anonymous drop-off point, ensuring dangerous substances are destroyed safely by law enforcement.


The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day turns community spring-cleaning into a collective defense mechanism.


Find a location to take part in this public safety effort by checking out the event website today.


 
 

"Hooked" on Community Fun

Fishing Derby in Historic Antioch Rivertown

Join local families at Waldie Plaza and the U.E. “Compy” Compomizzo Fishing Pier in historic downtown Rivertown for a favorite local tradition, the Antioch Kids Fishing Derby. Open to youth ages 4 to 15, the annual event offers children and parents a fun morning outdoors on the waterfront.


Saturday, October 10, 2026

9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Waldie Plaza & U.E. “Compy” Compomizzo Fishing Pier (Downtown Rivertown, Antioch, CA)

Youth ages 4–15 (must be accompanied by an adult)

Admission: Free (Registration on the day of the event)


The event provides free admission, free lunch for participating children, and a variety of prizes and raffles. Young anglers will compete across multiple age divisions for trophies and fishing gear, while learning the basics of fishing and water conservation.


First organized in memory of Antioch resident Uril E. “Compy” Compomizzo, the derby carries on his vision to “get kids hooked on fishing, not drugs or gangs”. Hosted through a partnership between the City of Antioch Recreation Department and the California Striped Bass Association (West Delta Chapter), the event aims to foster a lifelong appreciation for nature and community involvement.



Equipment loans will be available on-site for children who do not have their own fishing poles.

 

DISTRICT 3 SPOTLIGHT

 

A New Stop in District 3

Oakley's Next Transit Milestone

Join and celebrate the launch of the Gold Runner Station. This is a major step toward strengthening essential transportation resources in District 3 and improving connections for everyone who lives, works, and travels in our community.


October 14, 2026

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

3486 Main St., Oakley



To RSVP contact: Ahdel Ahmed, aahmed@sjrrc.com, (209) 936‑8490 or Danielle Navarro, navarro@ci.oakley.ca.us, (925) 625‑7162

This groundbreaking marks meaningful progress toward more reliable, accessible transit options by getting Oakley, and surrounding communities, "on track" toward a more connected future.

 
 

Fall Into Highlights

from The Town of Discovery Bay

In the latest edition of their newsletter, the Town of Discovery Bay is safety and Storm Ready focused. But why stop there?


Keep current on the town updates such as the Community Center parking lot closures starting in early November to make way for new solar-covered parking and additional spaces and much more.


Check out the newest updates on this community through their recent Newsletter, Fall 2026 Edition.


RESOURCES:

Town of Discovery Bay Newsletter, Fall 2026 Edition

 
 

Clean House & Toss Your Trash

Bethel Island Community Clean Up

Bethel Island Residents: Pack Up Your Trash & Head to the Bethel Island Community Clean Up


Take part in the 2026 Annual Clean-Up Day with the Bethel Island Municipal Advisory Council in partnership with Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery and hosted by District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis.


Saturday, October 17, 2026 - RSVP Required

BIMID Mitigation site, Bethel Island Road

8:00 am - 12:00 pm



Requirements: Local Valid I.D. and current Disposal Bill


To RSVP, please contact Anna Cleese at 925-655-2336 or Anna.Cleese@bos.cccounty.us.

 

RESOURCES FOR YOU

 

Help Us Sound the Alarm

Tell Us When, Why, and How It Matters Most

 

New storybooks, graphic novels, eBooks, and nonfiction titles have been added to the TumbleBookLibrary digital collection. TumbleBookLibrary also features read-along chapter books, puzzles, and games in addition to titles in English, Spanish, and French. 


With a newly redesigned site, TumbleBookLibrary highlights a number of features built into the books, such as the ability to read solo, supported, or by listening. This resource is a great way to encourage and foster a love of reading for children in grades K-6. Titles are always available and do not require young readers, parents, and caregivers to place holds on them. Just click and read. Access TumbleBookLibrary from home or at the library. It's unlimited and free to use anytime with your library card.

 

Get Prepared Before Buckling Up

Road Closures and Rerouting Cause Delays

Navigating the roads safely and efficiently starts long before turning the ignition; by making pre-trip planning and detour awareness a routine habit, drivers shift from reactive driving to proactive hazard avoidance—lowering stress, preventing accidents, and ensuring a safer journey for everyone.


Current District 3 projects and closures list, 8/7/26


While we make every effort to keep the most current memos and messaging posted to the public, changes can happen at a moments notice. Always take a look at these resources before hitting the road, just in case.


RESOURCES:

For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org on X

For real-time traffic, visit Caltrans QuickMap

 

GETTING INVOLVED

 

Get Your Paintbrushes Ready

to Paint the Town Utility Boxes

We are ready to break up the boring on utility boxes in District 3 and we need you and your paintbrush to make it happen. Those big gray metal cubes on our sidewalk corners are ready for a makeover.


Starting this month, Contra Costa County has launched an initiative to transform neighborhood electrical boxes into local masterpieces and this is your chance to leave a mark on the neighborhood.


Contra Costa County is pleased to announce the launch of the Art on County-Owned Utility Box Program.


This program is designed to bring vibrant, colorful artwork to the County streetscape by transforming 90 county-owned utility boxes located throughout the unincorporated areas of the County into stunning pieces of visual art.


By showcasing creative designs from talented local artists, we can enhance the visual appeal of our neighborhoods and foster a sense of pride and connection throughout the County.


To learn more about this program and apply today by visiting: www.contracosta.ca.gov/utilityboxart.

 

Contra Costa County

Boards and Commissions

Open Seats and Applications

Every great community is built on the voices, ideas, and passion of its people. We invite you to take an active role in shaping the future by joining one of our many boards or commissions.


Why join?


  • Empower change: Your insights can guide policies and programs that touch lives every day.
  • Grow personally and professionally: Collaborate with dedicated leaders and expand your network.
  • Leave a legacy: Be part of something bigger than yourself—help shape the future for generations to come.


Current Openings: Click on a link and follow corresponding instructions to apply. On the Contra Costa County Boards and Commissions page, click in the upper corner on the magnifying glass to search of a specific board or commission to apply. Questions? Email our office at Supervisor_Burgis@bos.cccounty.us.



Assessment Appeals Board

FULL PDF announcement


Aviation Advisory Committee


Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee


Contra Costa County Community Corrections Partnership - Executive Committee


In-Home Supportive Services Advisory Committee


Integrated Pest Management Advisory Committee (Applications Due October 30, 2026 by 5:00 pm)


Knightsen Town Advisory Council (KTAC)


Library Commission


Merit Board


Sustainability Commission


Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls

FULL PDF announcement

 

CONNECT WITH YOUR

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

Did you know that areas of the county are categorized into 5 different districts? Each has its own amazing collection of community groups, resources, sites, activities, and of course...residents! Where there is continuity across the county on many matters, there are unique aspects to each that make them beautifully diverse.


Below you will find information on how to find your Supervisor, connect to their websites and offices, and learn about how to participate in the collective Board of Supervisors meetings held in Martinez throughout the year.


Finding your Supervisor:

To find your Supervisor using a simple address search, click this "Find My Supervisor" link which can be found on the County website.


Connecting to your Supervisor:

After you determine who your Supervisor is using the search tool above, click a link below to connect with their office.

District 1 - Supervisor John Gioia

District 2 - Supervisor Candace Andersen

District 3 - Supervisor Diane Burgis, 2026 Chair

District 4 - Supervisor Ken Carlson, 2026 Vice-Chair

District 5 - Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston


Participate in Meetings:

Whether you want to attend, comment, or just observe, all are invited and welcome to all public county meetings. You can find a full list of available meetings, including the Board of Superviors' by checking out the calendar here. While you are there, you can see an option to subscribe to updates and notifications from any or ALL of the meetings listed.


Board of Supervisors' meetings are typically held in person at the County Administration Building 1025 Escobar Street, 1st floor, Martinez. The public is encouraged to attend the meetings.


The Board meetings are also accessible via television, and via live-streaming to all members of the public. Board meetings are televised live on Comcast Cable 27, ATT/U-Verse Channel 99, Astound Channels 32 & 1027, and can be seen live online at www.contracosta.ca.gov or www.contracostatv.org.


Persons who wish to address the board during public comment or with respect to an item on the agenda may comment in person or may call in during the meeting by dialing 888-278-0254 followed by the access code 843298#. A caller should indicate they wish to speak on an agenda item, by pushing "#2" on their phone. Access via Zoom is also available using the following link: https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/87344719204. Those participating via Zoom should indicate they wish to speak on an agenda item by using the “raise your hand” feature in the Zoom app. To provide contact information, please contact Clerk of the Board at clerkoftheboard@cob.cccounty.us or call 925-655-2000.


Meetings of the Board are closed-captioned in real time. Public comment generally will be limited to two minutes. Your patience is appreciated. A Spanish language interpreter is available to assist Spanish-speaking callers.


See information about parking and access to the County Administration Building at 1025 Escobar Street, Martinez, CA 94553.

 
 
 

" A wise person is one who sees the storm coming before the clouds appear.”

— Elbert Hubbard

 
 
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